Ringwood OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ringwood, Oklahoma.
1. Sod House Museum
PIONEER LIFE PRESERVED
The Sod House Museum preserves the last remaining authentic sod house in Oklahoma, offering visitors a glimpse into pioneer life on the prairie. Visitors can explore the humble dwelling built by homesteader Marshall McCully in 1894 and learn about the challenges faced by early settlers through interactive exhibits. The museum provides guided tours that showcase period artifacts and explain the historical significance of sod houses during the land run era.
2. Midgley Museum
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Midgley Museum stands as a unique architectural marvel constructed from native stone and materials collected from around the world. This historic building houses an eclectic collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and geological specimens gathered by the Midgley family. Visitors can appreciate both the unusual construction of the building itself and the diverse exhibits within its walls.
3. Ringwood Watermelon Festival
ANNUAL SUMMER CELEBRATION
The Ringwood Watermelon Festival brings the community together during the last week of August for a celebration of summer's favorite fruit. Festival-goers can enjoy watermelon-themed contests, live entertainment, and various family-friendly activities throughout the event. This annual tradition highlights Ringwood's small-town charm and offers visitors a taste of authentic Oklahoma hospitality.
4. Indian Creek Village Winery
VINEYARD AND EVENT CENTER
Indian Creek Village Winery offers a picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts and event-goers just outside of Ringwood. The property features a vineyard, winery, event center, wedding chapel, and lodging accommodations all in one serene location. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the pastoral Oklahoma landscape that surrounds this multifaceted destination.
5. Ringwood Wesleyan Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Ringwood Wesleyan Church stands as a historical landmark representing the spiritual heritage of this small Oklahoma community. The church building showcases traditional architectural elements that reflect its role in the town's development and religious history. Visitors interested in local history often stop to appreciate this enduring symbol of faith in the Ringwood area.
6. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
UNIQUE CRYSTALLINE LANDSCAPE
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the rare opportunity to dig for selenite crystals in the only place in the world where they form in an hourglass shape. The refuge encompasses over 32,000 acres of protected land that serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy activities including crystal digging (April through October), wildlife observation, photography, and hiking throughout this distinctive natural wonder.
7. Gloss Mountain State Park
SHIMMERING MESA VISTAS
Gloss Mountain State Park showcases stunning mesa formations known for their shimmering selenite gypsum content that gives them their distinctive glassy appearance. Visitors can climb to Cathedral Mountain's summit via a staircase and hiking trail to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding prairie landscape. The park offers picnic areas, informational signage about the unique geology, and excellent photography opportunities without requiring an entrance fee.
8. Railroad Museum of Oklahoma
HISTORIC RAIL HERITAGE
The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma houses one of the largest collections of railroad artifacts and memorabilia in the central United States. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and thousands of smaller items that document the important role railroads played in Oklahoma's development. The museum's extensive archives and displays provide a comprehensive look at railroad history from the steam era to modern times.
9. Leonardo's Children's Museum
HANDS-ON LEARNING ADVENTURE
Leonardo's Children's Museum offers an interactive educational experience where children can explore science, art, and technology through hands-on exhibits. The facility includes both indoor museum spaces and Adventure Quest, an outdoor science playground spanning three stories with castle-themed structures. Young visitors can engage with everything from simple machines and musical instruments to water tables and art stations designed to make learning fun and accessible.
10. Gaslight Theatre
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
The Gaslight Theatre brings live performances to the region in a charming historic venue that has been entertaining audiences for generations. This community theater produces a variety of plays, musicals, and special events throughout the year with local talent both on stage and behind the scenes. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting, affordable ticket prices, and the opportunity to experience quality live entertainment in a small-town atmosphere.
11. Stride Bank Center
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
The Stride Bank Center serves as the region's premier venue for concerts, sporting events, conventions, and other large gatherings. The modern facility features a 7,200-seat arena, convention hall, and multiple meeting spaces designed to accommodate a wide range of events. Visitors from throughout northwest Oklahoma travel to this center for entertainment options ranging from rodeos and monster truck rallies to touring musical acts and trade shows.
12. Lora's Authentic Mexican & American Food
LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITE
Lora's Authentic Mexican & American Food offers diners a taste of both traditional Mexican cuisine and American comfort food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves generous portions of freshly prepared dishes that have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Guests appreciate the family-friendly environment and diverse menu options that cater to various tastes and preferences.
13. David Allen Memorial Ballpark
PREMIER BASEBALL FACILITY
David Allen Memorial Ballpark stands as one of Oklahoma's finest baseball facilities, hosting high school, collegiate, and amateur baseball events throughout the year. The stadium features professional-quality playing surfaces, comfortable seating, and modern amenities that enhance the spectator experience. Baseball enthusiasts appreciate the park's attention to detail, from its manicured grounds to its tributes to the history of America's pastime.
14. Butterfly Mural
VIBRANT PUBLIC ARTWORK
The Butterfly Mural adds a splash of color and artistic expression to downtown Enid as part of the city's public art initiative. This large-scale painting transforms an ordinary building wall into a vibrant scene featuring colorful butterflies that symbolize transformation and beauty. Visitors often stop to photograph this Instagram-worthy spot that represents Enid's commitment to arts and culture in the community.
15. Simpson's Old Time Museum
WESTERN HERITAGE COLLECTION
Simpson's Old Time Museum transports visitors back to the Wild West with its extensive collection of frontier artifacts and recreated historic settings. The museum houses an authentic western movie set where visitors can explore saloons, jail cells, and other period-accurate environments used in actual film productions. This unique attraction combines entertainment and education while celebrating Oklahoma's western heritage and cowboy culture.